Should teachers be armed with guns?

Those in support of this controversial proposal believe it will minimize threats of school shootings like the latest tragedy in Parkland, Florida.

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Right now, there are no plans to arm teachers in New York State. In fact, state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would specifically ban teachers from carrying weapons at school to potentially trump any federal law.

A handful of states in the country allow teachers with permits to conceal their weapons in class.

In Sidney, Ohio, teachers are carrying guns at school. District leaders say they see this as a practical response to a legitimate threat. Schools are typically gun-free zones, and those in support of arming teachers say changing the long-standing policy could potentially deter mass shooters.

After the most recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, President Donald Trump voiced his support for teachers carrying guns.

Opponents of arming teachers say this is not a good idea to keep schools safe.

William Clark, president of the Urban League of Rochester, is not in favor of the idea. He says arming teachers could cause chaos.

"If you allow teachers to carry guns then they would have to secure those guns, they would have to be trained to use them and at the end of the day, that would just be more guns in schools," Clark said. "The solution is not arming teachers, the solution is not selling assault rifles to anyone."

Clark supports the idea of having tighter gun control laws and more intense background screenings before a person can buy a gun.

There is a bill in the New York State Senate right now that will provide the funding for armed school resource officers, not teachers.